Guadalajara's Uros Djurdjevic, the forward for Atlas, is gaining momentum as he prepares for the exciting match against America scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025. The Serbian striker, who currently stands as the second-highest goal scorer with eight goals, credits his growing confidence to insightful conversations with fellow players and coaches.
Djurdjevic's path to success hasn't been entirely smooth; he faced challenges during his initial months after arriving to Liga MX. "Sí, en la Leagues Cup hablé con él después del partido, [Álvaro Fidalgo] me dijo que está contento y me dijo que tengo que tener paciencia, que todo es nuevo, el futbol es diferente y todo, pero que me va a ir bien," he recounted, referring to the advice he received from Fidalgo, the midfielder for America's famed Águilas. The conversations provided not only practical tips but also encouragement to adapt to the new footballing culture.
Having joined Atlas six months prior, Djurdjevic initially experienced limited playing time, leaving him feeling uncertain. Yet, with the counsel of both Fidalgo and Veljko Paunovic, who played pivotal roles earlier in his career, Djurdjevic has managed to overcome those hurdles. The former Chivas and Tigres coach helped reinforce his decision to transfer to Atlas, telling him, "Bueno, después del partido también me dijo que tengo que seguir así, que me ve bien y que todo va a salir bien, que voy a meter goles." Djurdjevic emphasizes how these discussions not only boosted his confidence but also clarified his path forward.
Djurdjevic's patience paid off as he is now a key player for Atlas, recently scoring impressive goals, including one against America. Following America’s lead early in the second half, Djurdjevic brought Atlas closer by scoring from outside the box, showcasing his talent with a powerful right-footed shot. This goal, praised by fans, was instrumental in narrowing the score to 1-2, reigniting hope for the Rojinegros. "GOOOL! Uros Djurdjevic (Atlas) Disparo con la derecha desde fuera del área," was the call after his thrilling strike, reflecting just how significant he has become to the team’s ambition.
Despite his accomplishments, Djurdjevic continually emphasizes his desire to win the championship rather than focusing solely on personal accolades. He expressed, "Siempre voy partido a partido y de verdad que no estaba pensando sobre eso [el título de goleo]. Seguro que es algo bonito que puedes ganar, pero como lo dije ayer, yo cambiaría mis goles por un campeonato con Atlas." His statement highlights the forward's shared commitment to the team's goals, identifying with the inherent rivalry and significance of delivering victory for Atlas fans.
Now, as the match against America approaches, Djurdjevic remains focused on his growth and contributing to Atlas's success. He aims to parlay the experiences and insights shared by Fidalgo and Paunovic, ensuring he not only strengthens his own performance but also helps the team achieve its goals for the season.
With confidence and determination driving him forward, Uros Djurdjevic stands as one to watch as Atlas seeks glory and the potential for championship success.